For many small businesses and entrepreneurs in the UK, a car is much more than just a means of getting from point A to point B.
It’s a working tool, an indispensable business asset. Meeting customers, delivering goods, transporting equipment, making purchasing trips – these are all daily tasks that require reliable transport.
This increased role means that the condition and reliability of a work vehicle carries increased responsibility – it directly affects the ability to work, serve customers and maintain your professional image.
The car in business practice
According to Money.co.uk, the number of small businesses (0-49 employees) in the UK in 2024 was 5.45 million. A significant number of small businesses rely on cars for business.
Imagine a typical day for a busy entrepreneur – a mobile handyman, photographer, marketer or courier serving several clients a day in different parts of London or Manchester. A morning meeting with a potential client, followed by a trip around the city to pick up materials, and then several more visits to clients. Being late because of a car problem means lost money, disappointed customers and a ruined day.
Risks of negligent care
Small entrepreneurs are increasingly using models such as the Ford Focus Mk3. Its efficiency, manoeuvrability and reliability are ideal for urban environments. However, even the most reliable car requires regular maintenance. For example, changing or topping up the transmission fluid on time has a critical impact on the smoothness of the shifting and the durability of the gearbox, especially if you make 10-15 short trips with numerous stops every day.
A car that is driven every day is subject to increased stress. Ignoring basic maintenance procedures – such as checking the brake system, shock absorbers or transmission – can lead to unpredictable breakdowns, reduced road safety, loss of customer confidence and high repair costs. Repairing a gearbox, for example, can cost many times more than changing the transmission fluid on time.
When you’re focused on running your business, it’s easy to skip scheduled maintenance. However, simple technical issues are not just minor inconveniences. What may start out as a slight vibration or a slightly rough gear change can, if left unattended, lead to significant downtime and hefty bills. These are not just ‘options’ for financial costs, they are often unavoidable costs as a result of negligence.
Practical tips from business car users
To keep your car a reliable partner, you should follow a few simple but effective rules:
Schedule maintenance. Don’t wait until something breaks down. Regular checks are the best way to prevent problems.
If you have more than one car, appoint a person in charge or use reminder apps.
Keep a maintenance log. Even if you drive the car yourself, notes about mileage, brake checks, oil changes, and checking the level and colour of the transmission fluid will help you stay in control.
The transmission fluid is essentially the lifeblood of the vehicle, lubricating moving parts and helping to cool the transmission system. It is recommended to change the transmission fluid every 30,000-60,000 miles or at least every 2-4 years, especially if the vehicle is driven heavily. Failure to change it on time can lead to jerky shifting, increased wear and tear on internal components, and ultimately costly transmission repairs.
The car you’ve turned into your business asset is not just about the initial purchase, it’s about keeping it running smoothly. And it’s not enough to just fill it up on time. Regular inspections, maintenance, care of the transmission, shock absorbers, brakes – these are not technical details, but an opportunity for your car to work for your business, not against it. A reliable car means your movement without obstacles, your reputation, your profit.
Characteristics of Ford Focus MK3 transmission fluid
UK business statistics and facts 2025